Fairhaven picked as site for marijuana dispensary

FAIRHAVEN — The state Department of Public Health has named Fairhaven as one of 20 localities recommended as possible sites for medical marijuana dispensaries.

Peggy Aulisio

FAIRHAVEN — The state Department of Public Health has named Fairhaven as one of 20 localities recommended as possible sites for medical marijuana dispensaries.

At the special Town Meeting Feb. 12, voters will decide on two warrant articles involving medical marijuana dispensaries. One is a local bylaw creating an overlay district where they would be allowed and also placing other restrictions on them. The other would establish a moratorium on the dispensaries until June 30, 2014.

William Roth, town planner and economic development director, said the bylaw will come up for a vote first. He said if it is approved, the moratorium will be passed over.

Compassionate Care Clinics won the provisional license to open a facility in Fairhaven. Members of Compassionate Care appeared before several Fairhaven boards last year to make their case and try to win support.

The company received a letter of support from Fairhaven selectmen who also voted to support the overlay district. Compassionate Care wants to open its facility in the former lottery building on Pequod Road, which is within the proposed district.

In its announcement, the DPH said the selection was based "on the quality of the applications." The DPH said the criteria included public health, security and strength of business plans. It said it also considered geographic diversity, local support and a strong focus on meeting patient needs.

The state DPH also said that applicants for sites were subjected to extensive civil and criminal background checks.